ingredient

American  

[in-gree-dee-uhnt] / ɪnˈgri di ənt /

noun

1. something that enters as an element into a mixture.

   Flour, eggs, and sugar are the main ingredients in the cake.

2. a constituent element of anything; component.

   the ingredients of political success.

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ingredient British  

/ ɪnˈɡriːdɪənt /

noun

1. a component of a mixture, compound, etc, esp in cooking

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Related Words

See element.

Etymology

Origin of ingredient

First recorded in 1425–75; late Middle English from Latin ingredient- (stem of ingrediēns ), present participle of ingredī “to go or step into, commence,” equivalent to in- in- ² + -gredient- “going”; gradient

Example Sentences

This designation is shared by everyday ingredients such as salt, vinegar, and baking soda.

From Science Daily

This feels a bit trickier - the ingredients aren't always easy to find when grabbing a quick bite between news assignments.

From BBC

This strategy could also make future technologies more practical by expanding the range of usable ingredients.

From Science Daily

“A Federal Reserve that can pursue its mandate of price stability and maximum employment independently — free from political pressure — is an essential ingredient of our economic stability,” she added.

From Barron's

There’s a satisfaction in the challenge, in proving to myself that I can stretch ingredients, improvise a meal, and still feel taken care of.

From Salon

Related Words

• additive
• element
• factor
• piece